The bill, which is sponsored by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers would allow organs from HIV positive people to be donated to HIV positive recipients, and more so would allow researchers to study the safety of such practice.

The bill was sponsored by Republican Senators Tom Coburn, and Rand Paul, and Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin, and Barbara Boxer.

HRC legislative director Allison Herwitt said: “The HOPE Act represents sound public health policy… The action by the Senate HELP Committee is a major step forward in removing an outdated barrier which impedes access to lifesaving transplants for persons with HIV and AIDS.”

Senator Barbara Boxer said: “I applaud the Senate HELP Committee for approving the HOPE Act, which could save hundreds of lives a year and would give hope to patients waiting for transplants.”

Senator Tom Coburn, a physician, also commented, saying: “This legislation will allow sound science to explore organ exchanges between HIV-positive donors and HIV-positive recipients. If research shows positive results, HIV positive patients will have an increased pool of donors.”